Eight domains of action in Resolution A/53/243(UN Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace)*Culture of peace through education*Sustainable economic and social development*Respect for all human rights*Equality between women and men*Democratic participation*Understanding, tolerance and solidarity*Free flow of information and knowledge*International peace and security

The following information may be cited or quoted as long as the source is accurately mentioned and the words are not taken out of context.

Posted: Mar. 24 2005,10:22

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PROGRESS: Has your organization seen progress toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in your domain of action and in your constituency during the first half of the Decade?

See link below to Soroptimist International

OBSTACLES: What are the most important obstacles that have prevented progress?

See link below to Soroptimist International

ACTIONS: What actions have been undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?

The following is excerpted from the report of Soroptimist Interntional. Click here for their full report.

The five Soroptimist Clubs of Izmir (Göztepe, Alsancak, Izmir, Karsiyaka and Kordon have started the Gallipoli (Canakkale) Peace Project within the framework of SI/E "Women Building Peace" and also under the International Cultural Heritage project of UNESCO created to determine local candidate places.

The project started in April 2004 with a conference held in Izmir. The title of the conference was "Battle of Gallipoli" and was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mete Tunçoku, the founder president of "Canakkale 18 Mart University" and present head of the "Atatürk and Battle of Gallipoli Research Centre of Canakkale 18 Mart University".

The Soroptimists of Izmir clubs and their friends joined a trip to Gallipoli Peninsula held on April 16th-17th, 2004. The area, including all the martyrdoms of different nations was visited and a ceremony was held at the Monument for Turkish martyrs. A wreath was presented and a moment of silence was respected in memory of all the soldiers who had lost their lives there. After the speeches, the "Peace Charter" was signed and white balloons with origami white pigeons tied to their strings were left to fly in the sky by the Soroptimists as a symbol of peace.

A "Peace Tour" to Izmir and Gallipoli Peninsula is planned between April 20th-27th,2005 as part of a continuing project. 5 Soroptimists from Australia and 5 from New Zealand are invited. 4 Soroptimists from Australia and 4 from New Zealand have applied and will be our guests. They will be hosted at Soroptimists homes in Izmir and activities will include :

*A city tour of Izmir *Visits to Ephesus and Pergamon historical sites *A tour to Gallipoli Peninsula *ANZAC Dawn ceremony and other commemoration day activities*A panel discussion on the topic of "Peace", presented in co-ordination with the "Canakkale 18 Mart University".

The United Nations has enriched the notion of heritage with this project called simply "Determining Local Peace Symbols" and has announced that not only historical monuments, but also historical sites or towns, cultural landscapes, natural sacred sites, underwater cultural heritage, museums, cinematographic heritage, documentary heritage, oral traditions, languages, festive events, beliefs, music and song, and literature, etc should be included. Many tangible and intangible cultural heritages could therefore be proposed as a "Heritage for a Culture of Peace".

The aim of the project is to carry the Gallipoli (Canakkale) Peninsula, well-known for its war legends, to the agenda of the world as a symbol of peace. In this respect, organizing anInternational "Peace Tour" to the sight, hosting Australian and New Zealand Soroptimists, is an endeavor to accomplish this target and attain mutual understanding between cultures.

The theme of the congress of SI/E that will be held in Vienna from 8th-10th July, 2005 is "Women Building Peace". The timing of the theme is perfect as we are in need of peace nowmore than ever.

The prospect of taking place in the peace catalogue of the United Nations through determining the symbols of peace of our country and also the activities of SI/E and Soroptimist Peace Prize of 2005, have motivated the five clubs of Izmir to work on this topic.

ADVICE: What advice would you like to give to the Secretary-General and the General Assembly to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence during the second half of the Decade?

PARTNERSHIPS: What partnerships and networks does your organization participate in, thus strengthening the global movement for a culture of peace?

PLANS: What new engagements are planned by your organization to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence in the second half of the Decade (2005-2010)?